Our IMOS AUV Facility team spent last week surveying reefs at Ningaloo in WA. These surveys were part of our IMOS AUV Facility benthic monitoring program and repeat transects first surveyed over a decade ago. We were working with colleagues at CSIRO to collect this data and to analyse the resulting benthic images to document changes in the coral reef and sponge communities offshore of Ningaloo. In addition to managing the deployment and recovery of the AUV, the team were also treated to some outstanding displays by the native wildlife.
Humpback whale off Exmouth Cape. Image: JM
Emus at the Exmouth caravan park. Image: JM
Antennas at the Harold E Holt Communications Station. Image: JM
Catching up on the latest news from home while heading to the mooring
Sirius with shells removed, Ningaloo mooring site. Image: JM
Humpbacks on display. Image: JM
Humpbacks on display. Image: JM
Humpbacks on display. Image: JM
Humpbacks on display. Image: JM
Humpbacks on display. Image: JM
Vlaming Lightghouse, Northwest Cape. Image: JM
Humpback whales. Images: JM
Packing underway at low tide, Exmouth. Image: JM
The Kallis prawn fishing fleet, Exmouth Marina. Images: JM